Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Arizona
Tori Jane
Author
If there’s any state in the US that is super popular for visiting and vacationing that doesn’t come with a beach (at least an oceanic one), it’s Arizona. Folks from around the world come to the Copper State to experience things like the Grand Canyon National Park, Antelope Canyon, Lake Havasu, Sedona, and SO much more. To be honest, it’s never a bad time to visit Arizona, but one of the best times of year by far is spring. With our amazingly mild winters (well, usually) and our quiet springs, you’d think this time of year would be the most popular, but summer has that title. For now, we’d like to focus on something special: many of the fun things to do in Arizona in spring. Check ‘em out and enjoy!
Flower Blooms In Arizona
When people think of flower blooms they often picture the endless sunflower fields of Kansas or the rolling, columbine-covered hills of Colorado. But did you know that spring wildflowers in Arizona are a thing? Yep! Depending on just how wet the winter was, some places in Arizona are famous for their utterly breathtaking wildflower blooms. Here are just a few of the best places to see wildflowers in Arizona:
1. Picacho Peak/Picacho Peak State Park
Few things are more amazing in Arizona in the spring as Picacho Peak and its surrounding state park. The peak itself is very unique-looking, being the remnants of an ancient volcano. It’s tough to pick the best wildflower hike at Picacho Peak State Park; all of them are absolutely worth doing. This small AZ state park doesn’t get a lot of attention for the other three seasons, but in the spring, it truly shines. Come out and experience poppies and saguaro galore! Climb to the summit if you can – the views are nothing short of incredible.
2. The Superstition Mountains/Lost Dutchman State Park
Not terribly far at all from Phoenix is the spooky and wondrous Lost Dutchman State Park. Legend has it that lost somewhere on the Superstition Mountains is an old Dutchman’s gold stash, and though folks have quite literally died trying to find it, it’s not likely to exist. That being said, this mountain range has its name for a reason: namely, some pretty bizarre things happen here. Trails like the Siphon Draw Trail and the Treasure Loop are probably the best for viewing the flowers at their peak, though almost all the trails in the park will show off at least a little floral wonder. Superstitious or not, this stunning Arizona mountain range comes alive in the spring.
3. Peridot Mesa
Hidden away on the San Carlos Apache Reservation is one of the most amazingly hidden gems in the entire state. This lesser-known wildflower bloom in Arizona occurs on Peridot Mesa, so named for its incredibly rich peridot deposits throughout the whole region (especially in the basalt flows). While mining and/or mineral collecting by non-tribal folks is illegal, we are still welcome to explore the mesa with a permit and, as a result, experience some of the best ‘secret’ wildflowers growing in Arizona. It’s a long drive from just about everywhere, but it might be one of the coolest road trips you can do in AZ.
Botanical Gardens In Arizona
Fun fact: As of the time of this writing, there are 11 botanical gardens and/or arboretums in Arizona (some of which are among the best in the United State of America) and spring is truly among the greatest times to experience them all. With so many to pick from, it might feel a little overwhelming to decide upon which ones to see. Of course, we recommend visiting them all, but the three most popular and incredibly breathtaking botanical gardens in Arizona to visit this spring are:
3. The Desert Botanical Garden
Celebrate the beauty and wonder of Arizona’s desert landscape at the world-famous Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. Springtime is probably the best time to show up thanks to cooler temperatures and blooming... well, everything. Always with a slew of outdoor activities and programs going on, the Desert Botanical Garden is a tour de force of natural wonder and appreciation of the Sonoran Desert. It’s a mixture of art and nature that’s perfect for a spring day.
4. Tohono Chul
Fun fact: Tohono Chul was named as one of the ten greatest botanical gardens by Travel and Leisure Magazine, and it’s easy to see why – especially in the spring. It’s not overly large, coming in at just 49 acres in size, but that’s great because it makes this one all the more ideal for a spring day trip to Tucson. The breathtaking views of the desert Southwest are just part of the overall experience. You never know how much you’ll learn! Tohono Chul is undoubtedly one of the best hidden gems in Arizona, and this is the best time of year to show up. Even better still, this park is just 20 minutes from the bucket list must-see that is Saguaro National Park (see #8 for more about that). Sweet!
5. The Arboretum At Flagstaff
Open seasonally, The Arboretum At Flagstaff is one of the nation’s premier arboretums and botanical gardens, and just one look around at the stunning mountains and forest that surround it is enough to convince even the most stubborn of travelers. This non-profit organization seeks to educate the public and provide an amazingly beautiful place in which to learn all about the world around us. In the spring and summer, there’s always something going on. This one’s worth the drive even from southern AZ to enjoy.
Parks To Visit In Arizona This Spring
With 31 state parks to pick from and countless neighborhood, town, and city parks as well, there’s almost always somewhere fun to go if you crave the outdoors but don’t want to meander too far from civilization. There’s something for everyone in every nook and cranny of the Copper State, and most of our city parks are accessible by most. If you’re curious about the best parks to visit in Arizona this spring, you might want to start with these ones.
6. Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is nothing short of utterly incredible from start to finish. With 4.7 miles of trails weaving all over the place, it makes for an amazing full day of outdoor exploration – and in the spring, it’s not too hot and not too cold, so it’s perfect. Pair excellent climate with a lot of features and gardens to see and explore and you’ve got yourself the perfect day trip. The buttes of Superior, Arizona serve as an impressive backdrop to this already beautiful park where you’ll encounter flora from Australia, Africa, and other continents, and there’s no doubt you’ll find yourself hoping to return shortly after you leave.
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7. Cattail Cove State Park
It’s no secret that both Lake Powell and Lake Havasu are major hotspots for college students on Spring Break, and as a result, the places are usually packed. However, there’s a lesser-known state park in Arizona that’s also part of Lake Havasu, and by visiting, you can oftentimes skip the crowds you’ll find elsewhere around the lake. Popular activities include swimming (when it’s warm enough, anyway – some spring days can be chilly), kayaking, boating, and simply enjoying the beauty and wonder of the Colorado River at its best. With crystal-clear, cool water, endless blue skies above and less people around, you simply cannot go wrong with an adventure at Cattail Cove State Park.
8. Saguaro National Park
Few things in this life are as enchanting as Saguaro National Park in the spring. The enormous, majestic saguaro cactus is undeniably the mascot of the entire wild west, and here you’ll find more than two million beautiful Saguaro cacti (as well as other absolutely ridiculously beautiful plants and scenery). It’s enormously obvious as to why this park is on many a bucket list; no matter what season you arrive in, it’s sure to be incredible, but in the spring the wildflowers and blooming cacti (during the second half of April into May) make it especially magical.
Spring Hikes In Arizona
Ah, hiking: an American pastime (and everywhere else, really, but you get what we’re saying). Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Arizona all year round, and thanks to our climate you’ll find snow-free trails galore (as well as plenty of snowy ones, too) even during the coldest months of the year. During the spring, however, certain hiking trails in Arizona stand out above the rest thanks to their jaw-dropping beauty and Western spirit. What better way to explore Arizona in the spring than on these amazing hikes?
9. Fossil Creek
Not only is Fossil Creek home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arizona, but it’s also home to some of the best hiking in the state, too. In the spring, snowmelt typically causes the falls to be even more swollen with raging water than usual. There are a couple of hikes that’ll get you here, including the popular Dixon Lewis Trail. Permits are not given onsite and must be reserved online ahead of time. Thankfully, the whole place is significantly busier in the summer, making spring one of the best possible times to show up if you prefer a little less hustle and bustle.
10. Treasure Loop Trail
The legendary Treasure Loop Trail is nestled inside Lost Dutchman State Park and is considered by some to the one of the most haunted hikes in Arizona, though this remains to be seen. Spooks or none, the Treasure Loop Trail is an excellent escape into the Superstitions just a stone’s throw away from downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and other East Valley-area cities and towns. This hike is rated as moderately difficult, though, so it’s not appropriate for small children or folks who aren’t able to do some rock scrambling. Treasure Loop Trail is, indeed, a treasure in and of itself, and better still, this is the best time of year for a hike in the Valley thanks to the mild temps. Nearby, the Salt River plays host to a wealth of gorgeous wild horses, and you might just see them on your way here. Don’t want to go as far as Apache Junction? Hike Camelback Mountain instead – it's just as awesome (but admittedly more challenging).
11. Fay Canyon Trail
With astonishing views of red rocks and some utterly jaw-dropping geology along the way, the wonder-filled Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona is popular, but not as popular as other hikes in the region like, say, Devil’s Bridge. It’s moderately challenging and requires good balance and great hiking shoes, but the rewards are worth it. It’s no wonder why this wilderness is still sacred to people like the Navajo (Dine). Meander through a beautiful canyon just as brilliant and red as the slot canyons up in Antelope Canyon (which is where you’ll find Antelope Canyon, but that’s a better summer hike for another time) and experience Sedona’s wilderness at its most breathtaking. At sunset, if you get lucky, you might hear a chorus of singing coyotes celebrating the coming night. Old town Sedona is gorgeous, too, so be sure to stop and shop! While in the Sedona area, be sure to check out Oak Creek and perhaps do a guided tour of Sedona’s vortexes. About 30 minutes from downtown Sedona is the living ghost town of Jerome, which is also worth checking out!
Spring Picnic Spots In Arizona
Hungry? Good. Spring in Arizona is the best time of year for a picnic if you ask us. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, and everywhere you look, things are bursting back to life following their winter slumber. If you’re craving a nice picnic setting or simply somewhere to set up a hammock and relax for a while, we’ve got a few idyllic places in mind for just such an occasion. Some of the best spring picnic spots in Arizona might just surprise you:
12. Sahuaro Ranch Park
This urban park set in the suburb of Phoenix known as Glendale is huge, full of things to do, and absolutely perfect for a springtime picnic, birthday party, or just getting out and about. Sahuaro Ranch Park is historic ground; set on 17 acres, this beautiful park is famous for its roaming wildlife (peacocks being the most notable), walking and biking trails, incredibly well-preserved historic ranch homes and buildings, and endless play and sports opportunities. It’s easily one of Arizona’s most popular picnic spots, and you’ll be far from the only one coming out to enjoy it – but don’t worry. There’s a real sense of community here! Bonus points for baseball fans: Spring Training is a must-do in the Glendale/Peoria area. Watch pro baseball teams face off as practice for a very affordable ticket price: it’s a delight.
13. Riverview Park
Riverview Park is absolutely amazing, no matter where you’re coming from or what season you show up in. But in the spring, when it’s getting warm and the splashpad comes on and all the ducks return to the many ponds and water bodies at the park to swim around, everything is especially perfect. There are countless awesome spots to set up a picnic lunch, from covered shelters to shady places under trees. Bring oats to feed the ducks, too, as they love it (and bread isn’t good for them, so oats it is). This large, accessible community park in Mesa, Arizona, is one of the best in the state – and spring is an awesome time for it. Come see why!
There you have it: 13 amazing places to explore this spring in Arizona. Sure, you can go to all the popular tourist spots, or you could go off the beaten path a bit and create your adventure using the places listed here and beyond. Arizona in the spring is a wonderful place to be, with stunning flower blooms, excellent hiking, amazing lakes, stunning state parks, and so, SO much more. You haven’t lived until you’ve been to Arizona, and you’ll have to come out in the spring (and then plan a trip for summer, too, because our monsoon season is amazing). What are your favorite things to do in Arizona in spring? Let us know.
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